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<p><em>James Franklin “Nails” Knight</em> was born December 11, 1934 in Seminary, MS. His parents were Daniel and Helen Knight. He flew west on February 15, 2021 at the Frank Tejeda State Veterans Home in Floresville, TX. In between those events, he lived a long and illustrious life. He was always making jokes and laughing and having a good time. His laughter was infectious, and his mischievous smile was disarming. He was impressive in his intelligence, intuition, accomplishments, and determination.</p>
<p>In 1957, Franklin graduated from West Point, where he had distinguished himself as an All-American diver. His photo hangs on the wall at the West Point pool to this day. He always proudly wore his West Point hat, jacket, and ring, a loyal Black Knight until the end! After graduation, he elected to join the United States Air Force, where he went to pilot training. “Nails” flew F-4s during his second combat tour in Vietnam—176 combat missions. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster for “…heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.” He also flew numerous other aircraft during his career. He was a charter member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (River Rats). This is an important historical organization to the brave fighter pilots of the Vietnam conflict. It began in November 1966 when Colonel Robin Olds, the commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, hosted a tactics conference at Ubon Air Force Base, Thailand. It included United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine aircrews who were flying combat missions over the Red River Valley of North Vietnam. </p>
<p>In May 1967, the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat, RTAFB, Thailand, held the first of five “practice” reunions in Thailand, followed by Ubon, in August 1967; Takhli, in November 1967; Udorn, in March 1968; and Korat in June 1968. In 1969, then Brigadier General Robin Olds met with Colonel Howard “Scrappy” Johnson to discuss the formation of a permanent organizational structure for the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, leading to incorporation in Kansas. The Association is still going strong today, and I am also a River Rat. Thanks to Nails for urging me to join! </p>
<p>He went on to serve three assignments in Germany, was a diving coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was a squadron commander for the 22nd Fighter Squadron at Bitburg Air Base in Germany from 1974 to 1976.</p>
<p>The last year of his life was particularly cruel—dementia, COVID, and finally, death—he was literally stolen from us. I mourn all the lost time we could have had with him. I know the loss is most unbearable for my mother; she is now without her love, her best friend. The love they shared was visible in their joy at just being together, wherever they were. I’ve even heard him say that he loved her more than he loved flying and that’s “a hell of a thing,” as Franklin would say. I know my mother loves him just as much; not only until “death do us part,” but for the rest of her life.</p>
<p>He is survived by his loving wife, Maria; daughters, Sabrina Allen and Suzanne Simmons; sons: Jamie Knight, Daniel Knight and Gregory Knight; as well as many grandchildren.</p>
<p>Now, he’s watching over all of us and that brings me great comfort</p>
<p><em>— Sabrina Allen, LCSW</em></p>
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